MORE than 1,700 runners braved scorching weather conditions to take part in a record-breaking Port Sunlight Village race event on Sunday.

Organised by independent race organisation BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust, the 5K race and two-lap 10K took runners on a picturesque route of the tree-lined boulevards of the Village.

Afterwards, almost 300 youngsters took part in their very own 1K Fun Run.

Unilever supported the race day for a fourth consecutive year.

Despite soaring temperatures, competition remained fierce and excellent times were recorded – including a new female 5K course record which was set by Helen Sahgal representing Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton Harriers.

Helen clocked a time of 18 minutes 25 seconds – knocking 32 seconds off the previous record of 18:57 set by Megan Ball in 2015.

The male winner of the 5K was Joseph Boden from Wallasey AC with a time of 16.12, missing out on setting a new record by just two seconds.

Lee Jones from Deeside AAC took top honours in the 10K race with a winning time of 34.27. Female honours in the 10K was Carmel Triggs who clocked a time of 39:21

BTR race director Alan Rothwell said: "A new race record set, glorious sunshine and a fantastic turn-out – all important factors which go a very long way to make race day a huge success.

"On behalf of BTR and the Merseyside running community, we’d like to thank Unilever, Port Sunlight Village Trust and its residents for welcoming the participants and spectators."

Paul Harris, chief executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: "Port Sunlight Village is the perfect setting to host a running event – and what a wonderful day for everyone involved.

"The village green was a hub of activity as we welcomed runners, their families and spectators.

"It was brilliant to see runners cross the finish line with big smiles on their faces, despite the very hot weather.

"I'm already looking forward to taking part next year."

The field of runners also included a team of 85 runners representing sponsors Unilever.

Unilever’s sponsorship is part of its brightFuture campaign. One of the company’s goals is to help a billion people around the world improve their health and well-being by 2020.

Cameron Jones, Head of Unilever Port Sunlight, commented: "Unilever is delighted to sponsor this established event, supporting the community to encourage people of all running abilities to improve their health and wellbeing in a special historical setting.

"I can't wait to join the runners on the start line in 2018."

The date for next year's BTR Port Sunlight Village Road Race is confirmed as Sunday, June 17.